Obituary of William Charles "Charlie Jake" Boutilier, Gardiner Mines

It is with heavy hearts that we, the family of William Charles Boutilier, announce his passing on April 6, 2021, in the company of family, after a brief stay at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital. A long-time resident of Gardiner Mines, Charlie was born on December 17th, 1928, to the late Willie “Bill Jack” and Marcella Boutilier. “Charlie Jake”, as he was known, was a coal miner for thirty-eight years, starting at the age of nineteen. He was proud of his job and often spoke of his mining experience and the friends he made in the pit. Working side-by-side with his father in No. 26 was something he recalled with great pride. Dad had a keen memory, sharing a lifetime of stories and details about family, friendships, mining, and his time spent in Loch Lomond, on Lingan Bay, and around Cape Breton Island. Dad had special memories of his years of hunting and fishing with his father and close friends. Along with being a loyal Blue Jays fan, he was always interested in staying up to date, keeping up with the news, including the goings-on south of the border. In his retirement years, Dad kept busy, even putting his hand to woodworking and backyard gardening. In later years, Charlie could be seen on summer days sitting on his veranda looking out on Lingan Bay and Dominion Beach, happily greeting family, neighbors, and friends who dropped by. He felt fortunate to be surrounded by a devoted family and good neighbours. Besides his parents, Charlie was predeceased (in 2020) by his loving wife of 71 years, Louise (Mackie) and eldest daughter, Brenda, as well as a sister, Charlotte, in infancy. Dad will be deeply missed by his children Terry (Colleen), Deborah, Coleen (Gary), Rosalie, John (Lorrie), Vernon (Debbie), Darrell (Kathy), Paul, Carolyn (Allan), James (Wanita), Cheryl, and son-in-law David Cranton. He was the much-loved and generous Poppy to 16 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. We are extremely grateful to our sister, Deborah, for providing such good care to Dad over the past several years. Thank you to his family doctor, Dr. Thomas Law, and the doctors, nurses, and staff of the Cape Breton Regional Hospital for their part in Charlie’s care. Arrangements are under the direction of V.J. McGillivray Funeral Home & Cremation Centre, 16 Reserve Street, Glace Bay. Cremation has taken place and, respecting Dad’s wishes, there will be no visitation or service. Burial at St. James Cemetery will take place at a later date. Donations in Charlie's memory may be made to a charity of your choice. Online condolences may be sent to the family at: www.vjmcgillivray.ca “We will miss you and love you always.”